100 poems from a Wake Forest writer and a visit from ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ author

Novelist Nicholas Sparks visited The Cardinal at North Hills on May 18, 2017 to talk about the inspiration behind his books and his writing process. On Sunday, he’ll be on WUNC-TV’s “Bookwatch” to talk about his latest book, “Every Breath.” Madison Iszlermiszler@newsobserver.com

Novelist Nicholas Sparks visited The Cardinal at North Hills on May 18, 2017 to talk about the inspiration behind his books and his writing process. On Sunday, he’ll be on WUNC-TV’s “Bookwatch” to talk about his latest book, “Every Breath.” Madison Iszlermiszler@newsobserver.com

Poet Rebecca Henry Lowndes has poured nearly a lifetime of writing into “Years and Other Leavings” (Amazon). The unique collection of more than a hundred poems, all with an emphasis on the music of language, covers a broad range of subjects.

“This book represents 50 years of writing,” says Lowndes, “and the poems run the gamut from haiku to a five-page story-poem.”

Booth, who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, will be discussing “Sunny Girl” and signing copies at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21, at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill.

James Aura of Raleigh has published his second novel, “The Cumberland Killers” (Amazon). The book is an environmental puzzle wrapped in a murder mystery and set in the Cumberland Mountains of eastern Kentucky, where increasing numbers of residents report bad drinking water from their wells.

“Called to Peace” (Blue Ink Press) is one part memoir and one part guidebook. In the book, author Joy Forrest shares the heart-wrenching story of her two decades in an abusive marriage and the triumph of her eventual escape. Through her story, she provides insight intended to help others recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and she provides spiritual truths to combat the guilt often felt by survivors. Forrest, who lives in Raleigh, has worked to better equip churches to help families affected by domestic violence.

Bookwatch

D.G. Martin and Nicholas Sparks talk about Sparks’ newest book “Every Breath” (Sphere) on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Bookwatch at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. “Every Breath” is true to Sparks’ romantic tradition, with a story about a chance encounter that becomes a touchstone for two vastly different individuals.

Triangle-area authors: We want to hear about your new book. Send information to bookbeat@newsobserver.com. As space permits, we will mention self-published books by local authors that are for sale on commercial sites.